Hi there I'm looking at purchasing a 2014 overland diesel as I want the off road capability. I think I will also need to get skid plates, tow package, front recovery hooks and 18" wheels. I'm wondering if any one can help me with the following queries:

1. Is overland diesel quadra drive 2?
2. What are my options for getting offroad wheels and tyres, I'm assuming the dealer will swap the 20" for 18" Laredo?

You can get the Overland CRD with ORAII pack (Off Road Adventure Pack) which includes skid plates and 18" rims from the Laredo. I believe this is a $750 option. I think some other guys here have been able to swap wheels through the dealer. I'd image if you spoke to the dealer he might make contact with his Laredo customers and one of them might be happy for a straight swap. Although if you want the skids plates, might not be worth it.

As far as tow hooks go, we're still waiting to see if the US mopar hooks will fit. A dealer at Sydney has ordered some and will attempt to fit.

Excellent thanks, I'll speak to the dealer about swapping the wheels (I imagine this would be attractive to him, as he can but the 20" on the Laredo) and I'll get the skid plates included in the order. Thanks again.

Excellent thanks, I'll speak to the dealer about swapping the wheels (I imagine this would be attractive to him, as he can but the 20" on the Laredo) and I'll get the skid plates included in the order. Thanks again.

Depending on where you are, you cannot get the OR-II with 20 inch wheels, just 18 inch.
Unless the build app at jeep.com for US folks has changed recently.

Yes I believe you are correct. In Oz we have to do a special order to get the ORA2 and I don't fancy waiting 3-5 months so I'm thinking of going for the Overland and just adding the skid plates and asking the dealer ever so kindly to swap the 20" wheels off the Overland for 18" wheels off a Laredo he has in stock. I will look to replace the tyres in the near future for something a little better offroad. Thanks again.

- ordering the diesel does not automatically get you QD2; you have to order it separately OR order OR2, which includes QD2

-one advantage of ordering and waiting, is if you order either the v8 or the diesel, and OR2, you get QD2 wo extra charge AND Select Speed, which is like a slow speed cruise control. If you order OR2 w the V6, no Select Speed.

Select Speed only comes when you have either of those two engines and OR2, so I am ordering that way. Plus, OR2 gives you the skid plates at a much lower price than after market plates, and without install labor or cost.

In the US, the OR2 package automatically substitutes the 18" wheels for the standard 20" Overland wheels, and, since the 18" wheels cost less, automatically gives you a lower price on the OR2 package, compared to the OR2 price in a lesser trim (i.e., limited).

For off road, IMHO the way to go is the V8 or the diesel, w OR2; then, sell the Latitude tires immediately, while new so as to get the best price, and buy a good All Terrain Tire.

Hard core offroaders would point out that there are after market skid plates that are beefier than the OR2 plates. My comment is that the GC is no longer a good platform for building a strong offroad vehicle and I am not taking it into extreme offroad situations. But, the WK2 GC is a much better road car. So, I am keeping my 1997 GC with Up Country package, and solid axles, as more of an off road truck, and ordering a 2014 GC with v8 and OR2, as a daily driver that will also do OK offroad. Not worth selling the 97, would not get much for it, but its worth a lot to bring along on a 4WD trip.

I don't know how the above might or might not apply in Oz, but I would check out Select Speed on the Jeep site.

At least in the US,
... OR2 gives you the skid plates at a much lower price than after market plates, and without install labor or cost.

Good point about the skid plates. Your probably better off getting the OR2, as a dealer did mention to me that they charge a bit to put them on. But if you did it yourself you may save some coin.

With regard to the Selec-Speed, there's no info on the Oz website. But in OZ buyers guide it appears that it is only available with the V8 Hemi and not the Diesel. And from what I can gather same with USA.

Yes, I think OR2 is the much better way to go. I checked Jeep's OZ website for a few minutes and I could not find Select Speed, either. That does not necessarily mean it's not available. I guess you could email Jeep. Best of luck!